Cathode Material for Cheaper, More Sustainable EVs Developed

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have invented and patented a new cathode material that replaces lithium ions with sodium and that would be significantly cheaper to produce. The cathode is one of the main parts of any battery. It is the site of the chemical reaction that creates the flow of electricity that propels a vehicle.  Estimates suggest that a sodium-ion battery would cost one-third less than a lithium-ion one.

Source: MSN: Read The Article

PSR Analysis: Research in battery technology has developed at a tremendous pace and anything that reduces cost  and is more sustainable is a plus. Sodium is far more naturally abundant and easily mined than lithium. It is thus a fraction of the cost per kilogram and much less susceptible to price fluctuations or disruptions in the supply chain.   PSR  

Guy Youngs, is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research